Vegan

Use a leftover baguette to make these crostini; they will keep well in an airtight container for a week.

Homemade rubs are a quick way to transform roasted meat, poultry, and vegetables into something special. Use this one on both steak and potatoes. Improv: Fennel, cumin, or caraway seeds can replace the coriander; intense, earthy herbs like oregano and sage can stand in for the thyme and rosemary.

If you're making this entire menu in a single oven, roast the vegetables and bake the souffléed gnocchi while the lamb stands (increase the oven temperature as soon as the lamb comes out).

Food editor Maggie Ruggiero learned this method of cooking artichokes from a close friend of hers, Betty Alfenito, "prop stylist and cook extraordinaire." We love the wonderful pan sauce it yields, as well as the way it infuses the artichokes with a subtle hint of garlic.

Healthy bonus: Fiber from tomatoes; calcium from basil and fennel

If you're making this entire menu in a single oven, it's best to roast the potatoes while the pork loin stands (increase the oven temperature as soon as the pork comes out).

Joy Ackerman of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "After cooking for a family of six for years, I've become a pro at streamlining recipes and being organized in the kitchen. My children are now grown and out of the house, but that hasn't changed how I cook or shop. I still make a monthly menu plan, and often find myself cooking my kids' favorite dishes whenever they visit."

If you're making this for the sherry syrup , don't be tempted to use a dark dry Sherry for the syrup or topping — it will muddy the beautiful green-gold color of the cake and tint the cream topping brown.

This side would be delicious with roasted chicken or broiled halibut.